IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Sept. 8 update: Iredell-Statesville Schools received a little over 800 mask waiver forms, but are now requiring a signature from a medical professional instead of just a parent. A spokesperson for the district told WCNC Charlotte this change is expected to reduce the number of mask waiver forms submitted to the district.
The original reporting continues below.
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The mask mandate at Iredell-Statesville schools is officially in effect, but parents in support say there's still concern the mask requirement won't be followed due to many parents submitting mask waivers.
The district shared a COVID-19 Student Medical Mask Waiver form as an option for parents to consider if their student is unable to wear a mask for various reasons including developmental, medical or behavioral health needs. Yet as part of the form, a medical signature isn't required -- meaning a parent or a doctor can sign.
“My concern is that families will see that as a loophole and be able to sign the waiver so that their children aren’t wearing masks," Dr. Margaret Quinlan, a communication studies professor at UNC-Charlotte and Iredell-Statesville parent, said.
Just a few weeks into the start of the new school year, five different ISS schools are making the temporary move to virtual learning due to a spike in COVID cases.
“If our goal is to keep children in school then we need to have as many masks as possible," Quinlan said.
Contact Briana Harper at bharper@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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